Craving doughnuts but don’t want the mess of frying? These Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts are the perfect solution! They’re soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon goodness, all without the need for deep-frying. Baked in the oven, these doughnuts are lighter but still packed with flavor, making them a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Why Baked Doughnuts?
Baking doughnuts makes them lighter, healthier, and less messy to prepare. You still get that classic doughnut flavor with a tender crumb, but without all the extra oil from frying. Plus, these doughnuts are coated in a mouthwatering cinnamon-sugar mixture that makes them taste like a dream.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Equipment Needed
- Doughnut pan (6 or 12 cavities)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush (for butter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Doughnut Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the Pan: Lightly grease your doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures that the doughnuts release easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Doughnut Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and vegetable oil.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.
Step 3: Fill the Doughnut Pan
- Transfer the Batter: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. You can use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to make filling easier and neater.
- Smooth the Batter: Gently tap the pan on the counter to level out the batter and release any air bubbles.
Step 4: Bake the Doughnuts
- Bake: Bake the doughnuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Dip the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip each doughnut into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve Warm: These doughnuts are best served fresh and warm, with their cinnamon-sugar coating giving them a delightful crunch.
- Optional Toppings: For extra indulgence, drizzle with a vanilla or cream cheese glaze, or even a bit of melted chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling the doughnut pan 3/4 full ensures the doughnuts rise to the perfect height without spilling over.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon will give the best flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
- Storage: Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the uncoated doughnuts and thaw before adding the butter and cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast or as a sweet snack, these doughnuts deliver the perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. And the best part? No frying required!
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This recipe offers a healthier, baked alternative to traditional doughnuts with all the flavor and texture you crave. Perfect for any doughnut lover!